As Russia strikes Kyiv and Kharkiv, Russian cooling tower hit by drone

Published on 18/09/2026 - 20:14 GMT+2

Russia has launched attacks on several areas of Ukraine, with two killed in Balakliia in Kharkiv and missiles launched at the capita, Kyiv.

In a post on Telegram, the head of Balakliia's military administration Vitalii Karabanov gave an update on the damage and loss of life: "Sadly, the consequences of this attack are terrible. Early reports indicate that two people have been killed in the strike. I extend my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed."

There have been further attacks on the Kyiv on Friday evening. Ukrainian media reports the city has been hit by ballistic missiles.

The Mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, posted on Telegram at 19:32 local time (18:32 CEST) warning of the strikes, which read: "Air defense forces are working in the capital. Kyiv is under ballistic fire. Stay in shelters!"

Meanwhile, there have been repeated attacks on central Odesa, with strikes twice in quick succession. The second hit during the rescue operation. Local media reports 10 people have been injured in the attacks.

In Russia, a drone hit a cooling tower of the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant early on Thursday. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported Friday that it was aware of the strike on the Kursk plant, adding that the power station remained operational at the time, but that there was no fire and operations had continued.

In the post, the Director General of the IAEA, Rafael Grossis warned against further attacks near nuclear infrastructure, and reiterated the need for "maximum military restraint to prevent the risk of a nuclear accident".